Page 1 of 36
VIRGINIA PESTICIDE TECHNICIAN TRIAL EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED AND CORRECT ANSWERS
GRADED TO PASS A+.
Define commercial applicator for hire
Any commercial applicator who uses or supervises the use of any pesticide commercially, on the
property of others. Commercial applicators for hire in the commonwealth must have a pesticide
business license or work for someone who does.
Define commercial applicator government employee
Any local, state, or federal government worker who uses or supervises the use of any pesticide for any
purpose, regardless of the site, while performing his or her duties.
Define commercial applicator inactive
Any commercial applicator who is not currently employed in a pesticide-related job and is thus covered
by the required insurance. Inactive applicators must still satisfy renewal and recertification
requirements.
Define commercial applicator not for hire
Any commercial applicator who uses or supervises the use of any pesticide as part of his or her duties
only on property owned by the applicator, or his or her employer.
Define direct onsite supervision
The act or process by which a competent person, acting under the instructions and control of a certified
applicator who is responsible for the actions of that person, applies a pesticide. The certified applicator
must be present at the application site and be able to see the person applying the pesticide at all times.
Define direct supervision
The act or process by which a competent person, acting under the instructions and control of a certified
applicator who is responsible for the actions of that person, applies a pesticide. The certified applicator
must be either near or in close telephone or radio contact with the person applying the pesticide.
Define federal insecticide, fungicide, and rodenticide act (FIFRA).
A law that established the basis of U.S. pesticide regulation to protect applicators, consumers, and the
environment.
State the responsibilities of a certified pesticide technician
May use general use general use pesticides without supervision and RUPs with supervision from a
commercial applicator.
Identify the required state certification for the type of pesticide use you intend to perform.
registered technician
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Comply with state regulations governing certified applicators in the commonwealth (6).
You may not...
1. Sell or use unregistered or unlabeled pesticides.
2. Act as a pesticide business without first becoming licensed
3. Apply pesticides commercially without becoming a technician
4. Failing to keep required records or making false records.
5. Failing to properly maintain pesticide application equipment
6. Providing an RUP to a person not certified to use it.
State Virginia's requirements for holding a pesticide business license.
50$ annual fee, evidence of financial responsibility, and must be able to demonstrate his/her knowledge
of pesticides.
Explain how to maintain state certification.
They must be renewed every 2 years with a $30 renewal fee and the enrollment in an approved
recertification course.
Properly report a pesticide accident or spill.
report spills and accidents that pose a threat within 48 hours to the Virginia Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services, office of pesticide services (VDACS-OPS). Then submit a written report detailing
the incident to the OPS within 10 days.
Define certified applicator
Any commercial applicator, registered technician, and/or private applicator who has met the certification
requirements in VA.
Define commercial applicator
A certified applicator who uses pesticides on the job.
Define Pesticide
Any substance used to control a pest, or to reduce the unwanted or harmful effects of a pest.
Define pesticide business license
A document required of persons in the business of selling, storing, distributing, mixing, recommending
the use of, or applying pesticides.
Define pesticide use
Application or supervision of an application of a pesticide. "Use" includes all the routine activities that are
part of pesticide application, such as mixing, loading, cleanup, and disposal. Handling, transfer, or
transport after the manufacturer's original seal is broken is considered use.
, Page 3 of 36
Define private applicator
A certified applicator who uses or supervises the use of any restricted-use pesticide (RUP) to produce an
agricultural commodity. Applications must be made on property owned or rented by the user, or by his
or her employer. A certified private applicator may also apply RUP to the property of another agricultural
producer. However, he or she must receive no compensation except for trading personal services
between them. Uncertified applicators employed by agricultural producers may use RUPs only when
under the direct supervision of a certified private applicator.
Define recertification
The demonstration of continued competency to apply pesticides safely by participation in appropriate,
approved education courses or by reexamination.
Define registered technician
A certified applicator who renders services similar to those of a certified commercial applicator. Such a
person has completed training and demonstrated competency as required for registered technicians but
has not met the requirements for a commercial certification. Registered technicians may apply general-
use pesticides on the job without supervision.
Define restricted-use pesticide (RUP)
Any pesticide classified for restricted use by the administrator of the EPA. The "restricted-use"
classification restricts a product, or its uses, to use by a certified pesticide applicator (commercial or
private) or under the direct supervision of a certified applicator.
What is the main purpose of the VA Core Manual?
To support general safety training for all pesticide users.
What state law sets the rules for pesticide use in VA?
The Virginia Pesticide Control Act
Which state agency is responsible for ensuring the safe use of pesticides in VA?
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
What is the difference between a private and commercial applicator?
Private applicators are farmers who use RUPs while producing an agricultural commodity on private land.
Commercial applicators control pests on the job for consumers, their employers, and/or the public.
How long must a Worker Protection Standard (WPS) application records be posted?
posted before the application occurs and remain in place for 30 days after the expiration.
What is the main difference between the four classes of registered technicians?
Their employer:
-RT for Hire= pesticide business
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-RT not for Hire= uses pesticides as one of several job duties.
-Government employee= local, state, or federal gov.
-Inactive Technician= Does not use pesticides at their job but have the license.
How does a registered technician differ from a certified commercial applicator?
Same work but a registered technician may only use general use pesticides unless directly supervised by
a commercial applicator.
What sort of training is required for registered technicians?
20 hours of instruction and self study of this manual, and 20 hours on on-the-job training in proper
pesticide handling and application. Trainees must have direct onsite supervision from a commercial
applicator.
What sort of credentials do you need to take a commercial applicator exam in VA?
one of the following...
1. A valid VA registered technician certificate
2. Proof of formal; education, training, and/or experience in pesticide use comparable to a years
experience as a registered technician to qualify for testing.
Explain the importance of pest identification
It allows you to determine basic
information about the pest, including its
life cycle and when it is most susceptible
to control measures.
Name the five most common types of pests.
Weeds, Parasites and diseases, mollusks, arthropods (insects and relatives), and vertebrates.
Compare and contrast the different pest management options.
1. Prevention: minimizing the chances that a pest will become a problem.
2. Suppression: Reducing pest numbers or damage to an acceptable level.
3. Eradication: destroying an entire pest population.
Explain the difference between key pests, occasional pests, and secondary pests.
1. Key pests: Nearly always present and require regular control.
VIRGINIA PESTICIDE TECHNICIAN TRIAL EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED AND CORRECT ANSWERS
GRADED TO PASS A+.
Define commercial applicator for hire
Any commercial applicator who uses or supervises the use of any pesticide commercially, on the
property of others. Commercial applicators for hire in the commonwealth must have a pesticide
business license or work for someone who does.
Define commercial applicator government employee
Any local, state, or federal government worker who uses or supervises the use of any pesticide for any
purpose, regardless of the site, while performing his or her duties.
Define commercial applicator inactive
Any commercial applicator who is not currently employed in a pesticide-related job and is thus covered
by the required insurance. Inactive applicators must still satisfy renewal and recertification
requirements.
Define commercial applicator not for hire
Any commercial applicator who uses or supervises the use of any pesticide as part of his or her duties
only on property owned by the applicator, or his or her employer.
Define direct onsite supervision
The act or process by which a competent person, acting under the instructions and control of a certified
applicator who is responsible for the actions of that person, applies a pesticide. The certified applicator
must be present at the application site and be able to see the person applying the pesticide at all times.
Define direct supervision
The act or process by which a competent person, acting under the instructions and control of a certified
applicator who is responsible for the actions of that person, applies a pesticide. The certified applicator
must be either near or in close telephone or radio contact with the person applying the pesticide.
Define federal insecticide, fungicide, and rodenticide act (FIFRA).
A law that established the basis of U.S. pesticide regulation to protect applicators, consumers, and the
environment.
State the responsibilities of a certified pesticide technician
May use general use general use pesticides without supervision and RUPs with supervision from a
commercial applicator.
Identify the required state certification for the type of pesticide use you intend to perform.
registered technician
, Page 2 of 36
Comply with state regulations governing certified applicators in the commonwealth (6).
You may not...
1. Sell or use unregistered or unlabeled pesticides.
2. Act as a pesticide business without first becoming licensed
3. Apply pesticides commercially without becoming a technician
4. Failing to keep required records or making false records.
5. Failing to properly maintain pesticide application equipment
6. Providing an RUP to a person not certified to use it.
State Virginia's requirements for holding a pesticide business license.
50$ annual fee, evidence of financial responsibility, and must be able to demonstrate his/her knowledge
of pesticides.
Explain how to maintain state certification.
They must be renewed every 2 years with a $30 renewal fee and the enrollment in an approved
recertification course.
Properly report a pesticide accident or spill.
report spills and accidents that pose a threat within 48 hours to the Virginia Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services, office of pesticide services (VDACS-OPS). Then submit a written report detailing
the incident to the OPS within 10 days.
Define certified applicator
Any commercial applicator, registered technician, and/or private applicator who has met the certification
requirements in VA.
Define commercial applicator
A certified applicator who uses pesticides on the job.
Define Pesticide
Any substance used to control a pest, or to reduce the unwanted or harmful effects of a pest.
Define pesticide business license
A document required of persons in the business of selling, storing, distributing, mixing, recommending
the use of, or applying pesticides.
Define pesticide use
Application or supervision of an application of a pesticide. "Use" includes all the routine activities that are
part of pesticide application, such as mixing, loading, cleanup, and disposal. Handling, transfer, or
transport after the manufacturer's original seal is broken is considered use.
, Page 3 of 36
Define private applicator
A certified applicator who uses or supervises the use of any restricted-use pesticide (RUP) to produce an
agricultural commodity. Applications must be made on property owned or rented by the user, or by his
or her employer. A certified private applicator may also apply RUP to the property of another agricultural
producer. However, he or she must receive no compensation except for trading personal services
between them. Uncertified applicators employed by agricultural producers may use RUPs only when
under the direct supervision of a certified private applicator.
Define recertification
The demonstration of continued competency to apply pesticides safely by participation in appropriate,
approved education courses or by reexamination.
Define registered technician
A certified applicator who renders services similar to those of a certified commercial applicator. Such a
person has completed training and demonstrated competency as required for registered technicians but
has not met the requirements for a commercial certification. Registered technicians may apply general-
use pesticides on the job without supervision.
Define restricted-use pesticide (RUP)
Any pesticide classified for restricted use by the administrator of the EPA. The "restricted-use"
classification restricts a product, or its uses, to use by a certified pesticide applicator (commercial or
private) or under the direct supervision of a certified applicator.
What is the main purpose of the VA Core Manual?
To support general safety training for all pesticide users.
What state law sets the rules for pesticide use in VA?
The Virginia Pesticide Control Act
Which state agency is responsible for ensuring the safe use of pesticides in VA?
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
What is the difference between a private and commercial applicator?
Private applicators are farmers who use RUPs while producing an agricultural commodity on private land.
Commercial applicators control pests on the job for consumers, their employers, and/or the public.
How long must a Worker Protection Standard (WPS) application records be posted?
posted before the application occurs and remain in place for 30 days after the expiration.
What is the main difference between the four classes of registered technicians?
Their employer:
-RT for Hire= pesticide business
, Page 4 of 36
-RT not for Hire= uses pesticides as one of several job duties.
-Government employee= local, state, or federal gov.
-Inactive Technician= Does not use pesticides at their job but have the license.
How does a registered technician differ from a certified commercial applicator?
Same work but a registered technician may only use general use pesticides unless directly supervised by
a commercial applicator.
What sort of training is required for registered technicians?
20 hours of instruction and self study of this manual, and 20 hours on on-the-job training in proper
pesticide handling and application. Trainees must have direct onsite supervision from a commercial
applicator.
What sort of credentials do you need to take a commercial applicator exam in VA?
one of the following...
1. A valid VA registered technician certificate
2. Proof of formal; education, training, and/or experience in pesticide use comparable to a years
experience as a registered technician to qualify for testing.
Explain the importance of pest identification
It allows you to determine basic
information about the pest, including its
life cycle and when it is most susceptible
to control measures.
Name the five most common types of pests.
Weeds, Parasites and diseases, mollusks, arthropods (insects and relatives), and vertebrates.
Compare and contrast the different pest management options.
1. Prevention: minimizing the chances that a pest will become a problem.
2. Suppression: Reducing pest numbers or damage to an acceptable level.
3. Eradication: destroying an entire pest population.
Explain the difference between key pests, occasional pests, and secondary pests.
1. Key pests: Nearly always present and require regular control.
